Learn how to freeze pancakes the right way so you can have a delicious stack for breakfast at any time!
Grab your favorite pancake batter recipe, cook them up, and with this post, freezing pancakes for future breakfasts will be a breeze, so all you have to do is heat and eat.
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Can You Freeze Pancakes?
Whether you’re cooking for one or decided to double or triple the batch, freezing pancakes for later is always a great idea.
This easy method of freezing pancakes allows you to have your favorite pancakes on hand at all times without having to buy them already frozen at a higher cost.
This is especially helpful if you’re making a batch of gluten-free pancakes or even the fluffiest paleo pancakes that are not available already frozen.
What’s Needed
Once you’ve made a batch of pancakes and cooled them down to room temperature, here is what you need to freeze pancakes, so they stay fresh in the freezer -and don’t get freezer burn.
- Pancakes: make sure they’ve cooled down to room temperature.
- Parchment paper: used to line the baking sheet, so the pancakes don’t freeze and are easy to transfer.
- Baking sheet: the best way to freeze a bunch simultaneously. Alternatively, you can use a large platter or something that fits in your freezer.
- Zip bags or freezer bags: disposable or reusable zip bags are needed for longer-term storage.
Freezing Pancakes Without Sticking
The key to freezing pancakes without sticking to each other is to freeze them flat on a baking sheet first, and once frozen, transfer them inside a zip bag for longer-term storage.
Pancakes sticking to each other can be an issue when you place the pancakes inside a zip bag and freeze them right away; for this reason, it’s best to freeze them individually first, and then transfer them into a bag.
How to Freeze Pancakes
Once you know how to freeze pancakes for later, you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh stack of pancakes any day of the week for breakfast. Here is what you’ll do:
Pancake Freeze Instructions
- Make the Pancakes
Use your favorite pancake recipe or one of these pancake recipes to make a batch or two, the more the merrier.
- Cool down the Pancakes
Once cooked, let the pancakes cool down completely.
- Line a sheet pan or platter
Lining a sheet pan (or baking sheet) with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone mat ensures that the pancakes don’t stick to the metal once frozen or to each other.
Place the pancakes on the lined sheet pan, making sure they don’t touch. If needed, place another piece of parchment paper over the first layer of pancakes and then more pancakes on top of the parchment, making sure to always create a barrier in between. - Freeze
Place the sheet pan in the freezer for an hour or overnight.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag
Once completely frozen, transfer the pancakes into a labeled freezer-safe zip bag and keep in the freezer up to 2 months.
Quick Video on How to Freeze Pancakes
If your a visual learner, watch this video to see the process, step-by-step!
How to Freeze Pancakes Without Wax Paper
If you don’t have wax paper to line the baking sheet, you can use parchment paper, the same one used for baking, plastic wrap, or a silicone mat. The key is to create a barrier between the pancakes and the surface so they separate easily.
How Long Do Frozen Pancakes Last?
When properly frozen and stored in a freezer-safe bag with the air removed, you can keep pancakes in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When removing pancakes from the freezer, it’s important to do this quickly and place the remaining pancakes back in the freezer quickly, so the quality of the frozen pancake doesn’t deteriorate over time.
Thawing Frozen Pancakes
Whether you need two pancakes for breakfast or want to thaw a whole batch, you can thaw pancakes in several ways:
In the microwave:
Thawing pancakes in the microwave, thaw them, and reheats them at the same time.
In the refrigerator
Pancakes will thaw in a couple of hours in the refrigerator.
On the counter
Pancakes on a plate will thaw in about ten minutes on the counter.
Other than using pancakes to make a pancake sandwich for lunch, where I don’t bother heating the pancakes at all, I typically thaw and heat pancakes at the same time.
How to Reheat Pancakes
With one of the methods listed below, you can take frozen pancakes from the freezer and have them ready to enjoy in a matter of minutes.
There are some differences between methods; not only in the amount of time required but also in the texture of the pancake.
Reheating Pancakes in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350F and place frozen pancakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how frozen they were, to begin with.
The longer the pancakes are in the oven, past the reheating point, the dryer they become, so it’s important to reheat them until the middles are soft and the tops are minimally toasty.
Reheating Pancakes in the Microwave
Place frozen pancakes flat on a plate, not stacked, and microwave the pancakes for 30 seconds. Flip them over and microwave for an additional 30 seconds until they are soft in the middle.
Over-microwaving them will give pancakes a chewy texture so it’s best to continue reheating in small time-increments.
Reheating Pancakes in the Toaster
The toaster and toaster oven are both great for reheating pancakes if you like a crispier texture on the outside and soft middles.
Since the heat will come from both directions, you can set your toaster to a low-to-medium setting and then add additional time if necessary.
Reheating Pancakes in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is also a terrific and quick way to reheat pancakes at 340F for 4 to 6 minutes. If you stack the pancakes, make sure to flip them half way through; otherwise, layer them in a single layer at the bottom of your air fryer basket.
Can You Freeze Pancake Batter?
If you love fresh pancakes out of the griddle and want to freeze the batter instead, you can freeze the pancake batter inside a zip bag, with the air removed and placed flat on a tray.
Once frozen, you can store the frozen batter bag in your freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove it from the freezer overnight or soak it in cold water for an hour.
Best Pancake Recipes to Freeze for Later
With one of these pancake recipes, you’ll be able to whip up a batch or two of delicious pancakes and freeze them for later. Consider making:
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